SecsintheCity

What your online profile should (and shouldn't) say about you

By Linda Burns

Linda Burns has over 15 years of experience as an Executive Assistant and PA in both the US and the UK, working for large international corporations as well as small businesses. She lives in Shropshire, England with her husband and their three cats. 

We’ve all heard the stories about how someone’s online Facebook or MySpace profile ruined their job search or career. Derogatory statements posted about your job or wild photos from last weekend’s party could cost you more than you bargained for.

With good positions at a premium, how you present yourself online is just as important as a good CV or excellent job experience becayse today, computer-savvy hiring managers DO spend time Googling applicants to view their online profiles. Sometimes, though, recruiters and hiring managers can get mixed messages about job candidates based on their online profiles. 

Your LinkedIn profile may highlight your professionalism and expertise in your field but your Facebook page may portray you as a wild child. To avoid this, keep your image consistent across all your networking sites. Save the party pictures for private messages to your closest friends and family and not for public viewing. 

On the other hand, used wisely, a presnce on social media can improve your chances of landing your ideal job. Today job seekers are increasingly using social networking sites such as LinkedIn to find jobs, develop key contacts and advance their careers.

The "About You" section of your profile offers the perfect opportunity to briefly describe your work history, strengths and career achievements. This is where you can showcase yourself and where potential employers are likely to look first, so make sure your first impression is a good, professional one.

Build your LinkedIn network by joining groups that fit into your professional interests and visit your LinkedIn page frequently to keep it fresh and updated. Be sure to add links to your blog site, your web portfolio if you have one and anything else that is relevant to your career. Perhaps you have written an article for a client’s newsletter, or were a guest blogger on a website in your field of expertise – include links to those postings too.

Strategically use keywords in the "Tags" section. Similar to using keywords in a CV, this allows you to list words that help other people in your network or search engines find you. These words can include your area of expertise, job titles, industries, hobbies and anything else that defines you as a professional.

Just as there are plenty of things a person can do with their profile to help them stand out professionally in cyberspace, there are even more ways to derail yourself. For example, an almost fool-proof way to get fired is to post a picture of questionable taste. Don’t complain endlessly about your current employment situation – your boss is a nightmare, your co-workers are dimwits – you get the idea. Keep those thoughts to yourself, unless you are looking forward to standing in the unemployment line. Don’t embrace values that are in conflict with your employer’s values or the industry that you work in. Don’t brag about being terrible with money if you work in an accountancy firm.

Having a professional online identity is important to establish your credibility and personal brand, and can go a long way to attract the career or business opportunities that you seek.

 

Which social networking sites do you use and which are you joining in 2012? :)

The Secret PA: Day 399

The Office Do. And don’ts.  

No I haven’t fallen off the face of the blogosphere, just in case you’re wondering ;) It’s just been a really manic two weeks at work and outside of it, sort of...

The last two weeks have been choc-a-bloc with meetings because there’s lots of projects set for launch in the New Year but you know how it is when there’s so many people involved logistically.

Then there was my Christmas shopping but most of Scarlet and Pepper’s too. That was homework and part of my weekend out with the girls. The real treat was of course the Christmas party, that as PA to Scarlet and Pepper, I was organising.

I don’t even know where to begin the action replay of the event’s events. Some not so-posh antics at a rather posh hotel in the West End. I guess that’s why they say ‘what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas’. A lot of it didn’t say in Vegas though.

Even though it was a Friday night there were murmurs on Monday morning about who got up to mischief beneath the mistletoe with not just the Curly Scarecrow but also someone else who rumour has it, is ‘attached’. Let’s just say there were no shoes and a night bus involved.

Then of course there was the attention hijack of none other than Scarlet herself. Gosh, the things people will tell a Director when they’ve had a few! She got trapped in a one way conversation with some tipsy bloke about his rationale for why he should be promoted – and hasn’t been. I wasn’t sure at the time though whether she needed rescuing. The same bloke turned up in the ladies room later in the evening. Alone of course, but what was he doing in the ladies room?

I did learn one lesson. Wooden dance floors and stiletto heels require extra care, more so when there are boozey puddles. I also learnt that slinky gold gloves are not conducive to holding a champagne flute and crimson is not really my colour. In the spirit of the theme I had a headdress to balance plus all the above. Let’s just say I managed to make a rather unceremonious glide down the stairs and soak up a bit of tipple on the way.

Mortified, I made a bee line for the ladies and succeeded in providing an action replay to the Curly Scarecrow who I didn’t realise was also making for the gents. Luckily I was holding the rail and managed to stay vertical. Inside, I came face to face with the face of Scarlet’s attention hijacker and an ex employee who had snuck in for some free food and drink.  

The food was good though. There was also plenty of it since many had opted for the liquid option.

Pepper: ‘You’re very strategically positioned’ to two of the girls and myself stood near the mozzarella and tomato skewers, Olives, Bacon and sausage rolls and other tasty things.

Awkward silence. Smile politely. “It does look good doesn’t it”.

I think it’s important to eat though, that way you have some carbs to soak up the alcohol and are less likely to criticise your team or boss or get up to something bordering on scandalous that becomes ‘The Topic’ of conversation for weeks. Raggie said she overheard someone talking to another director and slagging off a few other directors. 

Tip: intersperse drinks with glasses of water and do not mix drinks because it’s an open bar. Will save your face and will prevent you from inadvertently jeopardising your career at the company.

Still, it was a fun do, I got to meet a lot of new people from other departments and I think having the games was a great way to keep things going. My feet did hurt the next day and I also found a nice souvenir on my leg the next morning – a blue bruise that was not really decorative at all. 

Anyway, got to finish sending out the last of Scarlet and Peppers Christmas cards, just the e-ones.

Looking forward to the Christmas Break with family. What are you all up to for Christmas? :) 

 

Hope you have a lovely Christmas and New Year, see you next year ;)  x 

 

 

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Why preparation is paramount for PAs

By Marion Lowrence

 Marion has worked in various administration and management roles over the last 26 years.  This has included working for the Civil Service and the NHS before joining her current role as a senior PA in the higher education sector in Yorkshire.  In 2011 Marion was the winner of ‘Yorkshire PA of the Year’ and runner up ‘PA of the Year’ for Executive PA magazine.  Marion loves to network and has a mission to promote the PA profession. 

I have been given lots of different career advice over the years but one particular person’s words always stuck in my mind.  My grandmother worked in a GP surgery as receptionist but the role was actually closer to that of a modern PA. She had a big hand in the day-to-day tasks of the business and she became quite a role model to me. She told me to always be prepared for the unexpected and then nothing will surprise you.

In my current role I organise high level board meetings and private dinners for the heads of the universities in Yorkshire and Humberside. The secret behind the success of these particular events is definitely preparation and good communication. I use a template spreadsheet to make sure I have covered all aspects of the meeting.  I liaise on a regular basis with the PA’s in the region and with the host university holding the event. The template includes all the details of where I am with the meeting and what still needs to be done.  Everyone in the office has access to the document in case I am not around and they can see what needs doing at a glance or answer phone queries about the meeting. It shows details such as attendees with PA contacts, guest/speaker information, dietary, parking and AV requirements and anything else relevant to the event. 

I can see at a glance which papers are waiting to be done, which have been completed and when they are ready to be sent out. It is a handy document to know how things are progressing and helps to make sure you do not miss anything. I always take a spare set of papers with me to the meeting in case anyone has forgotten to bring them and make sure any presentations are loaded up previously so there are no technology problems.  Being prepared for such a meeting means everything will run smoothly. If the basics are in place then if the odd surprise does occur it can be dealt with easily. 

These particular meetings are done in unison with the university partner so I have to make sure that all communications are accurate and the host is kept up to date at all times. They run differently to meetings which are wholly organised by myself because they have an extra party involved who needs all the details. The host university will get a copy of the spreadsheet two weeks before the meeting so they can see who is attending and book the parking and catering noting any dietary requirements. Any last minute changes can be adjusted on the spreadsheet and I always contact the host PA the day before the meeting to make sure everything is in place.

Communication and organisation skills are needed for these meetings to run smoothly.  If I do not prepare, collate and forward the correct information the meeting would not run well. Preparation is paramount. 

Remember:

Fail to prepare then prepare to fail.

 

Are you looking for a new role in the New Year? Browse our latest opportunities online:  and follow us @Secsjobs For career queries, tweet us @SecsintheCity 

 

 

A 'stylish' gift idea for PAs

By Lisa Gillbe, Personal Stylist and Wardrobe Consutant at Lisa Gillbe Style Consutancy

Lisa Gillbe is a trained colour and style analyst.  She provides personal styling, wardrobe management and personal shopping services for successful women and men who demand a personal service and want to look effortlessly stylish and professional.

Join SecsintheCity and Global PA Network for a Glamour Evening at the Millennium Hotel

 

Date: Thursday 19th January 2012

Time: 6.00 pm for 6.30 pm

Venue: Mu Restaurant, Millennium Hotel, 17 Sloane Street, Knightsbridge, London SW1X 9NU

Join us for drinks, canapes and entertainment galore! This fabulous glamour evening  will include a talk by Nick Ede, Celebrity Style Expert & PR Guru for OK TV and Lizzie Cundy, Glamour Model and former WAG. We also look forward to welcoming Harvey Nichols who will be attending and offering a live make up demo on taking your make up from day to evening.

We will also be having a Raffle draw with gorgeous prizes, all the proceeds of which will go to the British Heart Foundation. 

Places are limited so please  book early.

Click here to register

This is a FREE event, sponsored by:  Millennium Hotel, Knightsbridge, Global PA Network and Secs in the City

 

 

 

Gift Ideas, for Your Boss at Christmas

By Linda Burns

Linda Burns has over 15 years of experience as an Executive Assistant and PA in both the US and the UK, working for large international corporations as well as small businesses. She lives in Shropshire, England with her husband and their three cats. 

Although etiquette doesn't mandate buying your boss a Christmas present, most PAs and Executive Assistants have a close working relationship with their boss and like to give them a gift at Christmas time (or birthdays, special occasions, etc.). If you are part of a support team, speak to the other members of the group about what the office policy is for gift-giving and perhaps suggest pooling resources to get him/her a gift from the entire group.

Need ideas? Try a Christmas food and drinks hamper, theatre tickets or a gift certificate to his or her favourite restaurant.

If you wish to give a gift just from you, here are some suggestions:

• A really good bottle of wine. Visit an upscale local wine shop and ask the staff for help – they are very knowledgeable and willing to suggest a variety of wines in all price ranges. Choose a special bottle and have it gift wrapped.

• Desk accessories such as a pen and pencil set, or a business book from a leader in the field you work in. if your boss’s office has a waiting area with a coffee table, consider an attractive book with travel photographs of his or her favourite vacation place. Another idea isget a digital photo frame for your boss’s desk

• If you know your boss very well, a gift of golf or tennis items or a gift certificate to a favourite store or spa would be very welcome. Gift certificates are sometimes viewed as impersonal; but for your boss they are a perfect solution.

• Leather cases for  your boss’s electronic items such as iPhones, iPads  or GPS devices, or a leather portfolio are always appreciated. A monogram adds a nice touch.

• If you are on a tight budget, bake some homemade cupcakes, cookies, or bread and decorate them for the holiday season. Wrap them in pretty paper and put them in a basket decorated with holiday ribbons.

• Avoid buying items that are too personal, such as perfume, cologne or clothing. 

 

Are you buying your boss a pressie? What are you getting? Not sure whether what you had in mind, works? Feel free to leave your questions and comments below :) 

Happy Christmas shopping!

PA tips on how to effectively service a committee

By Emma Lambden

Emma Lambden, is 'Executive PA magazine - PA of the Year' runner up with over 10 years experience as a PA. She currently works at the University of Reading.

Part II

Last week we looked at how to prepare for a meeting, this week looks at what to do immediately before, during and after the meeting.

Following this guide and timeline should go some way to helping you prepare for minuting your first meeting, but for further tips, next time will focus on minute taking and provide some hints and tips on how to take effective minutes.

 

Was this helpful? Got a question for Emma? Feel free to leave your comments and queries below

10 Christmas Party tips for PAs

By Lisa Gillbe, Personal Stylist and Wardrobe Consutant at Lisa Gillbe Style Consutancy

Lisa Gillbe is a trained colour and style analyst.  She provides personal styling, wardrobe management and personal shopping services for successful women and men who demand a personal service and want to look effortlessly stylish and professional.

There are lots of reasons people come to me for help with their dressing. This time of year is especially stressful, choosing the perfect Christmas Party outfit and braving the shops.  Christmas should be a time for fun and to try and take some of the stresses away, I have put together some top  tips to make sure you go from the office to the party in style.

Tip 1:

 Check the dress code. This is the most important tip I can give and dictates your outfit. Is your party in a formal venue that requires formal dress?  In which case, this beautiful gold maxi dress (Monsoon, £225) would be stunning if you have some curves to fill it and also if you don’t mind attention. 

A formal venue option for someone who likes a more classic and understated look this from Reiss £159 would be a good choice.

Tip 2:

Smart/Casual dress code dress dictates a different approach. If your dress code is smart/casual then I would suggest a plain top paired with a beautiful lace skirt like this one from Coast for £49 (reduced from 89).  Add a chunky necklace or scarf to add some finesse.

Tip 3:

 Lunch drinks are another story and you should think about looking more professional than at an evening   event BUT still have fun. I would recommend wearing your best suit or a pencil skirt and a beautiful silk or lace blouse in a vintage style.  Depending on the venue, you could combine with a colourful fur stole in this seasons jewell tones like this one from Topshop for £20.00.

Blouse, Oasis £45.00 (available from ASOS)

Tip 4:

If you work in a very formal environment then the Christmas party may not be the right time to show the real you.  You may be proud of your tattoos but this probably isn’t the best time to get them out!

Tip 5: 

Remember you are representing your company so play it safe, it isn’t a fashion show so you may need to tone down your outfit depending on your style.

Tip 6:

If the code is smart casual, better to err on the side of smart.

Tip 7:

Christmas is time to wear more funky and interesting accessories

Tip 8:

If you don’t use colour and wear black a lot, now is the time to wear brighter colours, ‘tis the party season after all!

Tip 9:

Make sure your clothes are not too tight and fit well so you feel comfortable and can concentrate on the party not pulling your skirt down every two minutes or holding your tummy in!

Tip 10:

And lastly - have fun it’s Christmas.

 

When is your office party? If it's over, what did you wear? If you have a question about what to wear for another Christmas do ask :)

Please leave your questions and comments below. 

PA tips for dealing with decision fatigue

By Linda Burns

Linda Burns has over 15 years of experience as an Executive Assistant and PA in both the US and the UK, working for large international corporations as well as small businesses. She lives in Shropshire, England with her husband and their three cats. 

All day, every day at work PAs are asked to make decisions but have you ever found that the more decisions you make, the worse you get at making them? Experts have a term for it: decision fatigue. You get tired, frustrated and sometimes become so overwhelmed by options that you can’t make a decision at all.

In today’s business climate PAs are assuming more and more increasingly important roles within their organization and decision fatigue can derail even the most senior members of the management team. “Decision making depletes your willpower, and once that is depleted, you’re less able to make decisions,” say authors Roy F. Baumeister and John Tierney in their new book, Willpower: Rediscovering the Greatest Human Strength. “If your work requires you to make hard decisions all day, at some point you’re going to be depleted and start looking for ways to conserve energy. You’ll look for excuses to avoid or postpone decisions. You’ll look for the easiest and safest option, which is often to stick with the status quo.”

When decision fatigue sets in, you may find it challenging to come up with a solution or compromise to a business issue, or struggle to see the overall scope of a project because you have become fixated on minor details and cannot move forward. Poor decisions can have a negative impact on your work performance but having awareness of a potential problem can lead to a positive solution. Here are some tried and tested tricks that can help: 

• Make important decisions early on in the day.  If you think that putting off a difficult decision for later is a good idea, think again. It's better to make those types of decisions first, when you have the most mental resources to deal with them properly.  However, if it takes you a bit longer to get into the rhythm of your work day,  start with a few small decisions first — rather like a warm-up — before diving into the difficult ones.

• Pick your decision times. Arrange your schedule to avoid meetings or big decisions at the end of the day, or when you’re typically tired or hungry. Either first thing in the morning or right after a break are good times. Try not to schedule back-to-back meeting without a break in between them. 

• Take breaks. Breaks offer some respite to help recharge your batteries  — and experts say we should take a break whether we think we need it or not. Fatigue can be insidious and being overly tired can compromise your brain power and thought processes. 

• Have a snack. Grocery shopping isn’t the only thing you should avoid when you’re hungry. The energy boost you get from a healthy snack can help restore decision making abilities — temporarily, at least. Keep dried fruit, trail mix or nuts such as almonds in your desk drawer for a quick energy boost when you need it most. 

• Develop decision habits. Chances are, you didn’t put too much thought into brushing your teeth this morning. That’s because you have developed a habit that is “automatic” and doesn’t require intense thought to accomplish. Our brains love routine habits because “automatic” decisions don’t use up much mental energy. People who make successful corporate decisions tend to have developed habits that free up their mental facilities to make the decisions that matter most. 

If you tackle decision fatigue by planning ahead and heading it off when it strikes, you can take the right steps to improve your daily decision making.

 

Have you struggled with any decisions this week or want to share one you're struggling with at the moment? Feel free to leave your questions and comments below. 

Be a PA with PA – Perfect Awareness

A One-Day Workshop for PAs, EAs, Secretaries and Administrators

Imagine being able to recognise what makes you and those around you “tick” – particularly your boss and the team you support. 

Your Excellency Limited invites you to a unique, exciting and experiential workshop, developed especially for PAs. You will be introduced to tools and techniques in order to work more effectively in partnership with your boss and those you support.

This one-day workshop is based around effective outcome thinking, communication and awareness tools. The tools utilise Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) techniques that have been developed and utilised by leading edge organisations in order to achieve excellence.

Workshop Details

Date	Venue	Price*
10th February 2012 9.30 am – 4.30 pm	Barcelo Hotel, Hinckley	£200 + VAT
24th February 2012 9.30 am – 4.30 pm	Thistle City Barbican, London	£200 + VAT
20th April 2012 9.30 am – 4.30 pm	Piccadilly House, Manchester	£200 + VAT

*Discounts available for various PA networking groups – please enquire

Cost includes course materials, tea/coffee upon arrival, buffet lunch and afternoon break.

 

 

Please feel free to extend this invitation to other Personal Assistants you know.  If you require further details please contact Lindsay on 07930 194147.  Places are limited so please confirm your attendance promptly by completing and returning the Booking Form. Click here to download the booking form.

Upon receipt of your Booking we will send you a Workshop Information Pack and Invoice.

 

Lindsay Taylor, Director at Your Excellency Limited 

 

PA tips on how to effectively service a committee

By Emma Lambden

Emma Lambden, is 'Executive PA magazine - PA of the Year' runner up with over 10 years experience as a PA. She currently works at the University of Reading.

Part I

Any PA who has experience of supporting committees or boards will know that servicing their meetings involves a lot more than just taking minutes. This is my guide on what servicing committee meetings really means, and how to go about doing this.

This week will focus on preparing for the meeting.

Next week will look at how to support the Chair and minute take during the meeting.

 

Tweet me @emlovescats if you want any examples of agendas to have a look at.

 

Emma

 

Did you find this helpful? Got a question for Emma? Feel free to leave your comments and queries below. 

The Secret PA: Day 385

Coffee dregs and Elvis, have not left the building...

I came in to the office this morning and was greeted by a new ‘thing’, suspiciously perched on the edge of my desk.  I was not impressed to find someone’s empty coffee cup – with the dregs now caked in to the base – decorating the space between my phone and my monitor.

I went to Brighton for the day and someone came in for an interview and asked Raggie for a coffee while waiting. Funny they should find my ‘tidy’ desk the place to leave it. I’ve never asked for a cup of coffee when I’ve gone in for an interview. If I did, I certainly wouldn’t leave it there for someone to clean up behind me – and that applies in a job too. You know tidy mind, tidy surroundings. If I wasn’t, I don’t think I’d get anything done around here.

That said, I have a friend, who had her second round interview with the MD of a creative agency at a sushi restaurant. I think it’s what they call, the lunch test, to see if you can actually get along without the conversation drying up.

Of course there are times where you need to find smart way to dry it up.  Like when we were in Brighton, where we were meeting with an Elvis wannabe. He was about 6 feet tall, salt and pepper hair that was swished up to look like Elvis, and his suit was perhaps a size too small. He did look uncomfortable and kept getting up and pacing the room, the heels of his pointy toe boots clacking on the wooden floor. He was not Elvis but I have to say he did a pretty good job of trying.

After the meeting we went on to a networking event and the thing with these events is there are always a few people who can really talk in yards and just go and on. Finding the balance between being polite without getting sucked in to a long conversation about their fish or their mother-in-law’s hair stylist, that eats in to your time to meet new people is hard. The trick is to go say hello with a new acquaintance once you’ve exchanged cards, so you’re being polite and saying hello, and doing them both a favour by introducing them. Then you move on to socially accost the next one J.

Must dash or I’m going to be late for my appraisal – which you must never be – with Scarlet and Pepper.

Wish me luck x 

 

 

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5 tips for PAs to multiple bosses

By Louise Reid

Louise Reid has been working at Carat, a global media agency, for the past 3 and half years where she is PA to the deputy MD, two other board directors and a team of 40. When not at work, you may find her busy baking competitively for her work Cake Club.

Sometimes being a PA to one director can seem like a big enough challenge, let alone looking after multiple people. However, in many companies it is becoming increasingly common for PAs to assist more than one boss. I’m currently PA to three board directors, having previously looked after seven at one time, so I thought I’d share with you my top 5 tips that I find help me do my job well:

1. Lists, lists, lists - Personally I don’t understand how people get anything done without having to-do lists. I tend to have two lists – one for my directors and one for other projects that I’m working on. It also helps to code your lists so you know what’s important and what has to be done sooner. Give yourself deadlines and stick to them where possible.
2. Prioritising. It’s really important to know what’s important. Many directors say that something is urgent and needs to be done right away but learning to be confident enough to ask them if it really is that urgent is a skill that every PA needs to have. You also need to prioritise the work that each director gives you based on importance, time it takes and when it’s due. This is where the lists come in use.
3. Managing expectations. If you’re inundated with more urgent tasks, then let them know and politely say that you are currently working on “xyz project”, so you may be slower in responding to everything but it will all get done asa soon as possible. It’s better to push back rather than take on too much and then disappoint people. In most cases you’ll end up getting it done before you said you would anyway so everyone wins. Good communication with your bosses is vital; they don’t need to know every detail but just make them aware of what you have on if you’re especially busy.
4. Egos. Every boss likes to think they’re your number one priority and making sure you keep them happy is important. It’s all about juggling them and their workloads, some are more busy than others so try to divide your time accordingly. Not everyone works the same so it’s good to figure that out when you start looking after them.
5. Catch ups. Where possible try and make the time to meet with each of your directors at the start of your week. I’ve previously tried to plan time in the diary for scheduled catch ups but sometimes it’s not possible if they’re in back to back meetings. Try and grab them at the start of the week where you can. Slot yourself in between meetings so you know what they need done that week.

It’s hard to say no when you’re a PA, your instinct is to want to help with everything but you’d be there until midnight every day if you did. It's important to prioritise and organise your time as well as theirs. I couldn’t survive without my colour co-ordination and lists. It also helps to have a great PA support system. At my company, we all meet regularly and are always there to help each other out – whether it’s during pitches, providing holiday cover or just generally on one of those days when everything goes wrong.

Juggling multiple bosses can be challenging but in the end it’s very rewarding and really helps you learn how to communicate and work with different types of people effectively. Personally, I’ve got two new directors who have just started so I’m looking forward to building and shaping those relationships... Though I'll always have my favourites ;) 

 

Have you just moved in to a new role where you're PA to more than one boss? Need advice? Got an experience or best practice to share? Feel free to leave your questions and comments below. 

A PA's guide to having a healthy and happy holiday season

By Linda Burns

Linda Burns has over 15 years of experience as an Executive Assistant and PA in both the US and the UK, working for large international corporations as well as small businesses. She lives in Shropshire, England with her husband and their three cats. 

The holiday season is upon us and before you know it, you’ll be knee-deep in mince pies and eggnog - if you aren't already - but often, instead of enjoying this festive time of year we end up frustrated, exhausted and several pounds heavier. Here’s how to stay healthy and happy throughout the holidays, and enjoy yourself.

Do your Christmas shopping online. If you haven't managed to get this ticked off the list, it's about time you started - or finished perhaps? Try to buy as many of your gifts for family and friends online. Many online shops will gift wrap your presents, too, and most online retailers offer free shipping this time of year.

Don’t neglect your local high street shops though. Set aside a day to buy a few special gifts, stop in to your local coffee shop for a hot drink and a bit of people-watching, stroll around the town centre and window-shop, and take in the holiday atmosphere. You’ll have a fun, productive day and still feel part of the Christmas spirit, and you’ll enjoy it more knowing the bulk of your shopping is done.

Get plenty of sleep. Studies have shown that people who don’t get enough sleep every night can gain weight. Ensure that you get at least 8 hours of sleep a night, every night.

Get moving and eat healthily. Make sure your workouts don’t stop altogether because you are busy baking, shopping or partying. Make time every day and get your body moving – take a brisk walk on your lunch hour (instead of heading for the goodies you know are lurking in the break room or the shops/cafes nearby), do a bit of yoga when you get home from work and don’t forget to do a bit of strength training too.

Although eating special treats this time of year is a tradition in most families, make sure your cupboards and fridge are stocked with plenty of healthy snacks too. Keep a bowl of fresh fruit on your table instead of candy. Buy fresh vegetables and cut them up ahead of time, then store them in the fridge for good snacking when an attack of the munchies hits you. Bring out the cakes and mince pies for company only.

Don’t deprive yourself entirely though or you’ll only set yourself up for a binge. Eat a bit of what you fancy, in moderation. And the cardinal rule – don’t ever go to a holiday party famished. Eat a small healthy snack before you go and drink plenty of water to keep hydrated. At the party, a glass or two of wine or a cocktail is fine, but then switch to sparkling water with a splash of cranberry juice.

Whether you are cooking Christmas dinner or are invited elsewhere, plan your eating for the day ahead of time. Have a healthy breakfast of cereal or yoghurt and fruit, and eat a light lunch – perhaps a bowl of vegetable soup and some fruit; the trick is not to fill up before dinner, but not to starve yourself either – again, you’ll be far more likely to overeat at dinner if you haven’t eaten all day. A bit of planning foresight can keep you from feeling guilty, and ensure a healthy, happy start to the New Year.

 

Have you been shopping fpr pressies online? Got any sites to recommend to other PAs? In a tizzy about shopping online? Feel free to leave your quesitons and comments below. 

 

Profile of a “Style PA”

By Lisa Gillbe, Personal Stylist and Wardrobe Consutant at Lisa Gillbe Style Consutancy

Lisa Gillbe is a trained colour and style analyst.  She provides personal styling, wardrobe management and personal shopping services for successful women and men who demand a personal service and want to look effortlessly stylish and professional.

Is using a Personal Stylist a valuable resource?

Only last week Sir Phillip Green announced retail giant Arcadia was to close hundreds of shops around the country. Trend forecasts show that retailers have started to move away from so called ‘fast fashion’ with Primark this week announcing a fall in their profits too. During times like these, people start to watch their pennies more, they want quality rather than quantity and need to see their purchases working harder for them, have longevity and to see more value for money. So what is the value of using a Stylist?

Long-term, the goal of a personal stylist is to save you money by working with you to develop a style that is authentic for you and matches your lifestyle, personality and goals. 

Being a stylist is in fact quite similar to being a PA. The common factors are being organised, having an ability to communicate with people from all levels and problem solving skills. A stylist will take an objective look at your wardrobe and look at where you are now and where you would like to be. Great style isn’t really about fashion, it’s about knowing yourself and understanding what works well for you. A Personal Stylist will help you to develop that knowledge and stop you from buying items that are unsuitable in the future.  Coco Channel said “Fashion fades, only Style remains the same”

Shopping and dressing are so confusing, there is so much choice and it really can be overwhelming especially when you want to make a good impression. A personal stylist applies a combination of technical concepts like colour analysis, which look at the skin tone find the colours that are best for you and style analysis which looks at what cuts, style and scale of clothes and pattern work for you.  Armed with that knowledge you can simplify the choices, have fun with current trends or start to develop your own signature look. By knowing your body shape, proportions and best colours you will know what styles suit you, breathe new life into the clothes and accessories you already have and make better future shopping choices – ultimately saving money! 

Dressing well also gives you power. Coco Channel also said “When a woman is well dressed you look at the woman, when a woman is badly dressed you look at her clothes”. There is a name for giving off a great impression and it is called ‘the halo effect’.  When you dress well people immediately assume other positive things about you before forming any other opinions.  When you look good you feel good and that increases your confidence and your productivity. Working with a stylist will change the way you shop forever, with your new found knowledge there is more time to concentrate on what really works for you, allowing you to find a style that is authentic.  You will save money by buying what suits you and end past ruts simplifying the whole process. It stops you from buying things you don’t need because you will shop in more thoughtful and efficient ways.

Most of us want to look good and it really isn’t necessary to find ourselves in a panic about what to wear every time we have a big meeting, date or Christmas Party. Imagine how great it would be to dress with ease and excitement every day!  Well with some knowledge and consideration you can and you can have a lot of fun doing it.

Lisa Gillbe, explains the processes involved....

Lisa Gillbe Style

Lisa Gillbe Style Consultancy from Lisa Gillbe on Vimeo.

 

Know, first, who you are, and then adorn yourself accordingly." 
Epictetus, Greek philosopher

 

Doe you think your wardrobe needs a makeover? :) Got a question for Lisa? Feel free to leave your questions and comments below. 

LCCI Bribery Act seminar

London Chamber of Commerce and Industry is holding a Bribery Act seminar on Friday 9 December 2011 for companies involved in international trade. 

The event will offer essential advice on the Bribery Act and the impact it has on businesses, particularly when working with overseas agents.  The guidance at this event will help commercial organisations to understand the procedures they can put in place to prevent bribery, and will include useful updates from the perspectives of the Serious Fraud Office, a law firm and corporate investigators.

Places can be booked online here and further details of the event can be found here

If you're a PA, you're likely to receive a high volume of hospitality invitations for either for you or your boss and you may often receive perks, which makes this legislation just as relevant to PAs and EAs as any other professional in the business world.  

How do you think you would benefit from this? 

Business travel tips for PAs

By Seema Shah

Seema has been PA  to the CEO at Sportech PLC for nearly 12 years. She is also the Office Manager in their London Head Office which consists of 14 employees and manage their Team Secretary. She is also a Prestige member of the PA Club and various forums including the Institute of Professional Administrators (IPA), the Executive Personal Assistants Society and the Personal Assistant and Office Manager (PAOM).

"Outside of work, I enjoy beauty therapy and do bridal and special occasion hairstyling and makeup in my spare time."

I had my first overseas business trip for 9 days this month... And so began the military  style organisation. 

Firstly, I had to ensure everything was in order for my son at home, so my husband was given a list of instructions from making packed lunch to what needs to go into his school bag on a daily basis to what to pack for his various sports activities which include football, tennis, swimming and break dance.

The second important thing to think about was 'what size luggage to take'. Normally going away for a week means a very large suitcase to accommodate clothes, shoes, hair and makeup accessories. However, knowing that I was going away with my boss plus 2 other directors meant that I needed to make sure I was able to travel as light as possible. Plus, the fact that we were travelling to Atlanta, then onto New York and then onto Connecticut meant that the bare minimum would have to do.

Travelling business class does have its perks. You get a flat bed, good meals and better service - The 9 hour flight to Atlanta is pretty tough when you don’t like to fly. 

Tip: make sure you're prepared for long journeys and any time difference depending on where you are travelling to. We arrived at 10pm (US time) on a Tuesday evening which was 3am UK time on Wednesday morning for me. Then we were in the Atlanta office for 8am the following morning. It takes a few days for your body clock to adjust. 

You may also be entertained or your boss may require you to entertain your colleagues during the evenings so apart from a long day in the office or out on site, you will be required to attend drinks and/or dinner functions. Tip: make sure you get as much rest as possible when you’re back in your hotel room so you're prepared for the long days and nights.

I was lucky to spend 2 nights in New York during my trip which entailed plenty of shopping and amazing restaurants.  It also gave me a bit of ‘me time’. It’s quite a lot to handle when you’re with your boss and fellow colleagues/directors almost 24-7. The only respite you get is when you are in your hotel room sleeping.

All in all, my business trip was a great success. I managed to meet many of our US colleagues following the acquisition of the US side of our company a year ago, and can now relate to them even better than before on a professional and a personal basis. It’s always great to be able to put a face to a name.

Business travel is great but it’s not as glamorous as you may think. There is the usual waiting around at the airport, possible delays and endless cab trips to and from offices, hotels and restaurants. If you are not away from home too often, then you do miss your family and your normal day to day routine, but in the long run, its a fantastic experience and something everyone should jump at the chance to do if the company you work for has multi-national locations.

 

Have you been on a business trip recently? Are you going on one? Feel free to leave your questions and comments below :)